Portrait of Charles Garnier as a young man Francois-Leon Benouville (1821-1859)

The drawing presents a male figure in profile, viewed from the left. He is depicted as a young man, with a distinct emphasis on his facial features and hair. The artist employed a technique that relies heavily on hatching and cross-hatching to render form and texture. This method creates tonal variations, suggesting depth and volume without resorting to color or shading gradients.
The subject’s hair is rendered with dense, swirling lines, giving it a sense of both fullness and movement. It frames his face, drawing attention to the high forehead and sharply defined nose. The eyes are small and appear directed towards an unseen point in the distance, conveying a contemplative or perhaps slightly melancholic mood.
The clothing appears simple – a collared shirt with a loosely tied tie. This understated attire contributes to the overall impression of quiet dignity and seriousness. There is a deliberate lack of ornamentation; the focus remains firmly on the individual’s character rather than any display of status or wealth.
A handwritten inscription at the bottom provides additional information, including what appears to be a name and the year 1839. The script itself adds another layer of intimacy, as if offering a personal glimpse into the subjects life.
The drawing’s composition is straightforward, with the figure occupying most of the frame. This close-up view encourages an intimate connection between viewer and subject. It suggests that the artist intended to capture not just a likeness but also something of the individual’s inner essence – a sense of potential and quiet ambition. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and understated psychological depth.